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The Best Keyboards For Every Occasion
ThinSkin writes "ExtremeTech has written an article on the best keyboards in every category, such as gaming keyboards (macro and hybrid), media center keyboards, keyboard gamepads, and so forth. Of course, the big companies like Microsoft and Logitech dominate these lists, while smaller companies like Razer, Ideazon, and others play an important role as well."
The IBM Model M
"When life gives you lemons, don't make lemonade. Make life take the lemons back!" -- Cave Johnson
It's the best keyboard I ever used, and I've been using the old IBM keyboards from the 80's for decades now.
Plus, you've got a little bit of Apple magic in your pocket :)
I suppose writers, spreadsheet jockeys, and developers all have to share the "generic" category, which doesn't seem right.
In the generic category, they are going for cool appearance (interesting materials, backlight) over functionality, key layout, tactile feedback, and durability. How else to explain the complete absence of any "clicky" keyboards? The old IBM keyboards are still available. They are fantastic, I'm using one right now. And there are newer keyboards with similar mechanisms -- I expect that they are very good but I haven't tried them.
They flip everything in using front-panel switches ala PDP-8 and PDP-11
There is no other.
"As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly." A. Carlson
Ok, so a keyboard that they describe as having "soft and cushy keys" is #1 in their "generic" category. WTF guys? And no clicky boards at all? Hell, you could have saved your time by just ranking them according to number of "multimedia" buttons and extraneous LEDs. You would have done about as well.
Get off my lawn.
The range is much better than the RF or IR kits I've tried (1 Microsoft and 1 Logitech set), and it's really very sturdy.
It's a full keyboard, with no funky key mappings, and a nice media control layout. The mouse has 6 buttons (right, left, wheel, and two on the left side, mine are mapped for FWD and Back) and horizontal scrolling.
Both have survived numerous falls to the wood floor, a growing 2 year old, a dog, and occasionally 2 adult users.
The Dell is actually a rebranded Logitech, and the Logitech software works much more reliably than the Dell software, but all in all, the kit was worth the cost many times over.
One awesome thing is that it came with a Bluetooth adapter for the PC (obviously), which also allows my computer to wirelessly transfer photos and ringtones to our phones, which saves us money since we don't have to use SMS to load content.
I'm still using a Key Tronic FlexPro with a PS/2 adapter.
Just as good as an IBM Model M, but keeps my RSI at bay. The split keyboard takes a little getting use to, but the alternative is to not type, i.e. to not work in the computer field.
Not sure what I'll do when computers don't have PS/2 kayboard ports any more, as the DIN->PS/2->USB adapter setup doesn't work very well. I might have to finally get serious about figuring out how to mash up a USB keyboard's electronics with the FlexPro iron.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Model_M_Keyboard - About the keyboards. http://shop.ebay.com/items/?_nkw=model+m+keyboard&_sacat=0&_fromfsb=&_trksid=m270.l1313&_odkw=model+m&_osacat=0 - Ebay availability http://www.clickykeyboard.com/ - Used Model M Retailer http://pckeyboards.stores.yahoo.net/keyboards.html - Unicomp Model M Keyboards (using the same machinery that made the originals)
This article hardly covers *every* category. I'm a full-time translator, sometimes spending far too much time at my keyboard, and RSI is a big issue. One big help I found in working around and avoiding RSI issues is the Alphagrip.
It looks like a PS2 controller on steroids. Sure, it's a bit funky and takes a while to get used to, but its different key layout means that learning it does not overwrite your muscle memory for regular QWERTY boards, allowing you to swap back and forth with no confusion -- unlike Dvorak layouts, for instance. Plus, it's portable. :) The one drawback is no wireless version yet, but word is they're working on that. I've found the Alphagrip to be very useful in recovering from RSI induced by generic keyboards.
(Note -- I have no relation to the Alphagrip company. I am merely a satisfied customer.)
Cheers,
"What in the name of Fats Waller is that?"
"A four-foot prune."
Would have been nice if they said how Mac friendly each was.
Does anybody make an ergonomic split keyboard (e.g. Microsoft Natural) with either a TrackPoint style pointer or a trackball in the gap between the right and left sets of keys?
I want the IBM SpaceSaver II with an ergonomic design.
Go green: turn off your refrigerator.
The problem with the article is the decision made by the author not to break the categories into ergonomic vs. standard. That makes it basically a list of keyboards that I could go to Amazon and see.
A friend of mine wants to know what keyboard would be the best for watching p0rn.
So which one of the keyboards has a dvorak keyboard layout or OLED/No printings on it? But seriously, the whole article seems to me like a big ad.
A $170 "generic" keyboard?
Are you $expletive kidding me?
Now, where's the "Keep your girlfriend from kicking your behind"-keyboards? I'm having a serious issue!
The link brought a two paragraph page, designed not for useability but for page views. If a TECH publication can't do something as simple as designing a useable web page, it has no credibility with me whatever.
C|NET was always bad about this, too. Do they still use this incompetent madnes? Whatever these sites are paying their webmasters and visual designers, they're getting ripped off. The site is simply shoddy.
Lastly, does anyone have a link to a "printer-friendly" (i.e., human useable) version?
Free Martian Whores!
How about a one-handed keyboard then?
I've heard a lot of people on slashdot say the model M is awesome, but why? Supposedly annoyingly loud clicky noises are... good? Huh?
Here's what I look for in a keyboard
1. Easy to pop the keys in and out so I can keep the thing clean.
2. Thin laptop style keys.
3. QUIET, I don't need a loud click to let me know I typed a letter. I can see it on the fricking screen.
4. not too hard to press down
5. Doesn't gum up.
6. Control key, windows key, escape key are in reasonable positions.
I then take that keyboard, and remap the capslock key to be a second control key. After all, when was the last time you needed to use capslock? Never.
Let's ses...
* Best Generic Keyboards
* Best Macro Gaming Keyboards
* Best Hybrid Gaming Keyboards
* Best Keyboard Gamepads
* Best Media Center Keyboards
For "Best Keyboard for Work" I nominate "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000"
Pros: very reliable; mostly Linux friendly; has "Insert" key (VIM friendly).
Cons: "F Lock" nonsense; no USB hub.
All hope abandon ye who enter here.
I still use my 15 year old AT-style "Keypro" brand keyboard. It's not as loud as an IBM Model M, but feels just as nice. Better.
(I try really hard not to think about how gross it must be under the keys...)
Every other keyboard I've used feels plastic and cheap.
The same goes for my awesome 7 year old Viewsonic PF790 monitor, and my 10 year old Microsoft IntelliMouse. I'll be really sad when one of these finally die.
As I've gotten older, I've learned: if you like something a lot, buy a second one! Some day, they won't make them anymore.
My Keypro will probably last another 15 years, but I have a feeling my next computer won't have a PS/2 port. I don't know how well it will work chained with AT->PS2->USB adapters.
Speaking as an old IBM Model M user, I must say I'm quite happy with my Das Keyboard. Also, the lack of markings is pretty woot.
Still, this all strikes me largely as a matter of preference.
StoneCypher is Full of BS
Are you that lazy? There is a print option on the page..
http://www.extremetech.com/print_article2/0,1217,a%253D235406,00.asp
Yes
Er, no. Fuck the idiots who spread TFA over three ad-filled pages. Here, enjoy:
http://www.extremetech.com/print_article2/0,1217,a%253D235406,00.asp
It is dangerous to be right when the government is wrong.
http://www.extremetech.com/print_article2/0,1217,a%253D235406,00.asp
The article left out a very important category: the best keyboard for music. Everyone has their own personal preference, but I prefer this vintage bad boy.
Want new? Try a Filco Tenless, a Happy Hacking Keyboard or a Topre 86U.
Ok with vintage? Northgate with clicky Alps, Zeniths with linear Alps.
This is just a few. Checkout http://geekhack.org/ for more. "Comparisons" like the ones in the article are just embarrassing.
http://www.daskeyboard.com/ ?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Model_M_Keyboard ?
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/keyboards/keyboard/devices/4740&cl=us,en ?
A very odd list in my opinion and some entries (ideazon) are actually horrible for the categories they're nominated for. Most of the Ideazon layouts are good for learning the game as a newbie but quite useless for a more 'serious'/'competitive' gamer.
Integrated audio chip might annoy those with speaker setups
What? How? Does it force you to use its own audio?
Short of hotkeys.
Ok, first of all, does anyone here find the "Home Page" key to be useful?
Alright, I can see the point of things like volume keys. What I don't see is why it's so hard to map some unused keystroke to those anyway. I tend to map various global keystrokes with the Windows key to Amarok.
Also, WTF is a "Gaming keyboard"? Last I checked, most games are built to respond to keystrokes on a normal keyboard. As for macros, why not do it in software? If it's to foil the game's anti-cheat mechanism, wouldn't this then be considered cheating? Is WASD really that hard to use?
The media center keyboards I can kind of see, but really, it's not that difficult to just use any wireless keyboard (why do you need integrated tracking?) and learn keystrokes, or use a good old-fashioned infrared remote.
As for "clicky" keyboards, at least you've got a valid reason for those -- personally, the keyboard I'm fastest with is Apple's aluminum keyboards (I prefer the wired version), which cost me $50. Most of these are much more than that, even one of the "gamepad keyboards". I just wish someone other than Apple would make one, so I could have an insert key, and not have to swap command/option.
Don't thank God, thank a doctor!
Unless you're doing something requiring a ton of numeric entry work (a minority of users) then any keyboard with a numpad is stupid. I hate the numpad with a passion and it's idiotic that so many keyboard have them. It takes up space where the mouse should go. You don't want to reach too far for the mouse because that contributes to injuries and fatigue. Plus it just plain takes up desk space for no reason. If you really think you need a numpad then at least get a detachable one.
Also, I wish all keyboards would split in the middle. Using an old-style straight keyboard is doing nothing more than abusing your wrists. With modern knowledge there is no reason to keep producing crap keyboards like that... yet they keep doing it.
Currently I use a Kensis Maxim but it isn't my favorite. It's small and totally adjustable but it has a very old-school build quality to it that I don't like (very rough and blocky). I like the MS Natural and would probably go for one of those if they would chop off the whole right side of it where the cursor keys and numpad is (then squeeze in the cursor keys and home/end/etc like the Maxim does).
i bought a GrandTec Virtually Indestructible keyboard, i love it, best keyboard i ever owned, it is waterproof if it ever gets dirty i can just take it to the kitchen sink and wash it with hot soapy water and towel dry.
Politics is Treachery, Religion is Brainwashing
keyboards for all occasions, but no handicap keyboards? (Those gaming pads don't count, they only have a subset of keys )
I got mine at frogpad
I wonder if others are better?
More music, fewer hits
Logitech has more or less the correct idea with their Dinovo Edge: keyboard and trackpad in one. It also includes a dedicated volume control slider (much better than +/- buttons). The round trackpad is dumb, but probably works well enough. The only thing missing is an IR transmitter so you can use the keyboard as the remote to all non-computers in the media center (i.e. basically integrate a Logitech Harmony into the keyboard).
But $199? Bloody hell. I'll stick with my Apple wireless keyboard, a mouse and a Griffin Powermate volume control.
The Logitech is also pretty big. Heck, even the Apple wireless kb is larger than I'd like, which makes controlling the media center less comfortable than it could be.
My personal fave is the second gen Das Keyboard. Not the best for gaming if you need to quickly look down for a key, but for everything else I couldn't imagine using anything but.
- Daniel Huckstep http://darkhax.com/
I run Linux at work and do gaming at home. Macros are a life saver no matter wither I am doing perl/Python/C++, managing servers or running around in LOTRO. The G15 status is great at work for monitoring ram and processor taxing (I tend to have way too many windows open) so I know when I need to shut a few things down. Basically, these keyboards have the best touch and macros to boot. I own three of the old style including one that is still in the box (just in case). Plus, I have a G11 on my second office machine (running Open Solaris).
http://michaelsmith.id.au
Best Keyboard (generic): IBM old-school
Best Keyboard (Ergonomic): Microsoft Ergonomic 4000
Best Keyboard (Gaming): Logitech G15
Best Keyboard (Gamepad): Logitech G11 OR Ideazon Fang
The last category is one of sheer preference... the G11 gives you the D-Pad which a lot of people like, because it allows you to have 4 keys on your thumb without ever moving it. However, this is detracted from the fact that you don't get as many keys as the Fang.
The reason I dismiss the Warrior MERC or whatever else, is plainly -- shitty software. The Fang is good because you can download (and PRINT) gaming profiles, so if you change your keymaps then you can look at a piece of paper to see everything. It supports all the newest games, so they have default keymaps for everything that mimic exactly what's on the keyboard. I find it very useful.
Anyway, that's the right list.. their list (and reasoning) was horrible so use mine and buy away :p
The price is always right if someone else is paying.
Why is it that the number pad on a telephone is vertically mirrored from the number pad on computers and calculators? The number pads on calculators and computers pre-dates those on phones by several decades, so why did the phone guys make theirs upside-down?
When our name is on the back of your car, we're behind you all the way!
I've been using a Kinesis Advantage keyboard for several years now and I have to say it's probably one of the best out there, specially if you have issues with RSI.
I ended up getting two; one which I leave at home on my workstation, and one that I have at work.
Programmable, very good tactile feedback (almost as good as the Model M), can be switched to Dvorak, and their support staff is phenomenal.
It will take you maybe a week or so to get accustomed to the key positions, but once you get the hang of it, you'll never go back.
If you're in the market for a good keyboard that will last you years, definitely have a look at these. They're a little pricey (about $300 or so, depending on the model), but they'll be the best money ever spent on a keyboard.
"We'll need 2000 crickets, 4 cans of Easy Cheese, and the fluid from 18 glowsticks for this plan to work...." - ph0n1c
Here's the print version of the article: http://www.extremetech.com/print_article2/0,1217,a%253D235406,00.asp
Slashdot: Failed Car Analogies. Amateur Lawyering. Anecdote Battles.
No love for Kinesis huh?
I've never pulled the trigger on any of these, but I am interested in the old Kinesis Evolution, which they don't seem to make, but which would mount to my chair and let you just let your arms dangle.
As it is, I just use the ones that came with my Macs. I've liked Microsoft keyboards in the past, but they're all sitting in a big pile because they take up too much space.
I like music
When I read the headline the first thing that I thought of was a musician's keyboard, not the computer kind. I guess I am just not nerdy enough for Slashdot.
Just because you are paranoid does not mean that no-one is out to get you.
I wish I could get the last 5 minutes of my life back. That list was bad, but so far no one has included the most telling reason that this list came out of left field... it includes the Phantom lapboard!
"If we knew what we were doing, it wouldn't be called research." - Einstein
A very close second to the IBM Model M, this Alps mechanical keyswitch keyboard types faster than any other due to the fast response of the Alps.
It's not as loud as a Model M but it's top of the line in clicky-clacks.
And every single one of them have those useless Windows keys.
Seems like nobody makes good, quality keyboards and mice. Literally every keyboard that I've tried in the last decade was horrible to type on. And they last maybe a year or two before breaking or getting so worn as to be unusable.
My current keyboard is a Silitek SK-6000 (rebranded as PC Concepts). I bought it because I wanted a Microsoft Natural but was almost $50 cheaper and looked like almost the same thing. Not a great keyboard, but by far the best I've ever owned. After 12 years of daily use, the only thing wrong it it is that the keycaps are slightly worn (but far from completely smooth). They accidentally manufactured a quality product, I guess. I'd love to replace it when a normal "straight" keyboard, but in 10 years of searching I haven't found one with the same quality.
(Yes, I own a Model M but I don't have the finger strength to use it for more than a couple minutes at a time.)
I type a lot in my line of work, but I also use the keyboard to navigate through documents.
I'm not a secretary nor would I call myself the most brilliant touch-typist in the world (or a grammar expert for that matter so don't bother), but I do appreciate a good keyboard.
I started my typing journey on a Macintosh type II keyboard around '91 sometime and have since gone through a selection of regular and laptop keyboards.
Now I don't care much for cool underlit keys and so forth, nor the wireless kind that constantly runs flat batteries, or ones with lots of fancy function keys (!!) but I did enjoy my Powerbook's soothing warm keys heated by the CPU placed squarely under the keyboard. Likewise did I enjoy my first logitech economical keyboard for my intel stationary.. I've completely forgotten where I was going with this rant... Hmm, must be something along the lines of:
All the keyboards I've ever liked I can't get brand new any more (no I don't fancy ebaying a "vintage" IBM keyboard just for kicks and to see if it actually works when it arrives).
Most of the keyboards I hated aren't made any more either.
What's up that?
The original Apple Extended. I'm using one right now. It's more than 20 years old, and works like it just came off the assembly line. REAL mechanical key switches (not as clicky as the Model M, but still give a decent audio feedback.) Great feel and just enough resistance and just enough travel. I can and have typed for hours at a time with this board (bought used at a local Goodwill for US$2.00 some years ago) with no physical distress.
As far as I'm concerned, every other "modern" keyboard feels like I'm poking at a slab of Silly Putty when attempting to type on one.
As for cleaning, well, every year or so, I pull all the keycaps and dump them in a bucket of hot water with a hefty dollop of Spic & Span liquid cleaner and let them sit overnight. (Brownian motion is your friend) For the two part plastic enclosure, I use either the bathtub or kitchen sink, hot water and more Spic & Span.
I clean the crud off the PC board with canned air and an old toothbrush.
All the keys get fished out of the bucket after a few hours, wiped off and left on some newspaper to dry, the enclosure pieces get hung up on the shower curtain rod to dry.
The next day, everything goes back together again and the keyboard looks like new.
Over the course of a year, I was able to buy 5 more Apple Extended Keyboards and a couple of Extended IIs. I don't think I paid much more than US$15.00 combined for all of them.
The new Apple Aluminum keyboard defines both "unusable" AND uncleanable. It is essentially disposable. If you find an original Apple Aluminum keyboard that still works in 20 years, it'll be because someone stuck it in a closet and forgot about it for two decades.
I'm using this keyboard on my dual processor FW800 MDD Mac, via the Griffin iMate ADB to USB adaptor.
I am confident that this keyboard will still be in use by somebody long after I'm dead.
Guaranteed! This comment 100% Anthrax free!
The LITE-ON SK-1788U is arguably one of the best inexpensive generic keyboards ever made.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823107127&Local=y
Sure enough it has been discontinued.
What about keyboards to use with your laptop? Or does everyone use the integrated keyboard?
This article is way off at least from my personal perspective.
I don't know what gaming perspective they have, but it's definitely different than my own.
I find Saitek keyboards to be extremely long lasting and great for gaming, also the G15 and never the Microsoft setups for gaming. Also there is another keyboard by MS (forgot the name) that I seem to recall as being awesome for general purpose/general use. Meanwhile the Merc Stealth is the worst gaming keyboard I have ever had the misfortune of getting for
free (and trying to make work).
Anyone else care to chime in? It just didn't seem to match for me. Maybe their editors are just not practical or overly finicky?
I've tried a lot of different keyboards, and there are two that I like. IBM Model M, and the cheapest thing I can get with no L shaped Enter key. I bought a stack of Memorex keyboards at CompUSA a few years back, for $10 each. I still have a couple left.
My criteria are: cheap enough that I don't really care much if I spill something on them, so I can buy 3 or 4 at a time, and NO (that's NO as in NONE) extraneous keys. I'd buy 101 key keyboards (without Windows keys) if I could get them for $20, but no such luck.
The IBM model M is of course the ultimate, but I can't use them if there's anyone else in the building with me; they're loud enough to drive people crazy.
I can type 40 or 50 WPM fairly accurately regardless of keyboard type (maybe an extra 10% on the rare occasions that I can use a model M) so I just buy what's cheap. I've been typing all day long for 30 years now on non-ergonomic, cheap-ass keyboards, and have not had a single strain related ache or pain.
FWIW, my first keyboard was a TRS-80 model I. My favorite was a Burroughs manual typewriter I used in high school. Unbelievably good action to it.
There is a huge market for ergonomic keyboards which the article completely avoids. It is these keyboards, rather than the ones which they present, which offer substantial differences in the typing experience.
I can think of two good examples off the bat. The Kinesis contoured keyboard is what I use, which includes palm rests and vastly different shape which reduces the distance your fingers travel, and takes a lot of strain off your arms. It's also programmable, which is a life-saver for devs. It comes PS/2 or USB, querty or dvorak switchable (i.e. in-keyboard switchable, with dual letter cues), and is solidly constructed.
The SafeType keyboard instead has two vertical parts of a split keyboard, so that your arms have a similar shape when typing as they would holding a large ball by the sides. This is supposed to reduce strain in your arms, by removing some torsion and keeping them in a more natural position. Some keys devs might need (arrow keys) are in a regular, central part of the keyboard. If you need these constantly, it could limit the benefit of changing your hand posture. Still, vim users (for example) wouldn't be affected. Ideally, you'd also get the Evoluent Vertical Mouse to match, so your mousing is also done with your hand in a handshake position.
As someone who's had RSI for a long time, I can tell you that none of the keyboards reviewed in the article are much better, or even significantly different from one another, compared with the difference with real ergonomic keyboards.
After reviewing a ton of near-misses online, I just don't think it would be that hard to make a keyboard almost everyone would be happy with, and would happily pay a little extra for.
+ Full-sized, absolutely standard layout. No playing cute with the arrow keys, or the insert/delete/home/end group, like MSFT Natural Elite does.
+ Scroll-wheel at left (MSFT made one like this)
+ Simple, intuitive, non-flashy shortcut keys and media keys (with volume knob, like Dell's, not buttons)
+ Scroll wheel, shortcut keys and media keys should all be easily programmable on a per-application basis. Just license one of many good shareware programs that do exactly that.
+ One or two extra USB slots on wired version
Make a four-square matrix:
.
-------------Wired/Wireless
Straight...........X.......X
Ergonomic........X.......X
(butchered, but you get the drift)
So it's essentially four different versions of the same keyboard. Then sell it as "the perfect keyboard" or something like that.
Obviously the biggest "personal taste" item is key feel. If you don't want noise or expense of clicky keys, I would suggest using something like the kensington slim-type keys. But the important thing is don't skimp: The whole point is to make a keyboard that people WANT to use, and will GLADLY spend a little more for. After all, they'll be using it for the next 10+ years.
BONUS: Make it easily reconfigurable between Mac and PC. When I plug it into my MacBook, I'd like it to automatically detect that it was being plugged into a Mac, and re-map the option/cmd/alt/windows keys accordingly.
- Alaska Jack
Oh, sorry, wrong kind of keyboard. Still true though, unless you're burying a mime and you need a small, flexible coffin.
Blank until
I expected someone to mention the IBM keyboard as soon as I saw the title of this story. However, personally I have never really liked the clicky feel of this keyboard.
Instead I claim allegiance to the Sun Type-5 keyboard and I am still using it at work by using a TTL RS232 level converter in conjunction with the sunkbd module in the Linux keyboard.
Suffice to say that I really think Sun got it right with this keyboard. The tactile response is great and they also bundled a huge number of function keys on the left side of the keyboard (which means that it is easy to use the function keys while at the same time having the right hand free to use the mouse).
Almost every other keyboard with lots of function keys get this wrong and place the function keys at the top of the keyboard or even the top right of the keyboard. (The G15 gaming keyboard gets this right however and I'll give it an honorary mention.)
My favorite keyboard is the TypeMatrix 2030-DV. It's an ergonomic, small, portable, straight-key, Dvorak-layout keyboard (they also sell QWERTY and blank layouts). I'm only 21 and started to have RSI symptoms from typing/programming a lot -- this keyboard has made those go away and I can type even faster than before. They finally started selling them again: http://www.typematrix.com/
Good, old fashioned rectangular ones! I can't use the ergonomic keyboards to type in passwords even if I'm hunting and pecking with two fingers.
SecurityPub.com
All of my Northgates are in the basement. I use an IBM model M for a pretty good reason. I dvorak when I key and I was captured by Northgate by the switches. The IBM advantage is that the backplane is curved which makes it easy to move the keycaps. Try that with a Northgate and see what happens. The keycaps are not all the same shape and angle. Looks like a minefield. YMMV and you may not need this feature. Both are great.
All your database are belong to U.S.
PS/2 keyboards still work on many modern computers, my 1993 model M keyboard still gets daily active use.
Like this baby.
Their #1 best keyboard gamepad, the Logitech g13 gameboard, isn't even available as far as I know. I can't see how something no one can buy yet can beat something like the Nostromo n52.
Vincent J. Murphy
Spandex Justice
So extremetech don't got Steel buck. Steel's Cherry 6G and 7G kbs pretty much own all the dome-based kbs covered by TFA.
...the Kinesis contour keyboard (http://kinesis-ergo.com/). I have about three of these and they're really comfortable. My arms reach straight out so the wrists don't have to bend out awkwardly, the keys are aligned vertically, the backspace/ctrl/alt/del/enter keys are right under my thumbs so my pinky doesn't get stretched out of place, and they have dvorak/qwerty switchable models... They are expensive at $300+ usd but if you spend all day on a computer like me I'm not sure why you would want to live with a $20 keyboard.
Logitech and Microsoft.
Thank you for playing!
Definitely. Definitely! Whenever possible.
I don't see a link to a print option on the page, and when I click on your link, it just redirects me back to the multi-page version.
10 PRINT CHR$(205.5+RND(1)); : GOTO 10
Every keyboard review tends to miss this gem. It's a standard size, good quality, excellent warranty, very low cost, two color options, no gimmicks, and it has angled keys that for me provide the perfect blend of ergonomics with usuability.
1) Use an AXE to chop the keyboard in half
2) ???
3) Profit
Pulsed Media Seedboxes
I just can't understand how there probably isn't a single keyboard out there that doesn't malfunction when you press and arbitrary combination of >3 keys. All these 100 dollar gaming grade keyboards are all fine and dandy but they still do not perform the one task they OUGHT to as gaming keyboards: allow the user to press many keys at once and have them all register. Mine has a few 5-6 key combinations that all register but then there are some combinations of 3 or 4 that don't. It can't cost that much to get this.
There is simply no substitute for the IBM Model M "clicky" keyboards. I can hardly code on any other kind... despite the racket they make.
They are also pretty much indistructable.
if only I could get the hang of typing fast with it.
See http://www.handykey.com/site/twiddler2.html
Whenever I buy a new computer, I always pick the 3 most important parts first: The monitor, the keyboard, and the mouse. When you spend 8 hours or more a DAY in front of your computer, the screen and input devices are absolutely critical. Right now the unicomp's are the best keyboards available PERIOD. Tack on a couple of 24 or 27" Samsung T screens, an IBM scrollpoint III (NOT the "pro") mouse and you're in programmer heaven.
Backlights and media center keys are considered a PLUS? I always go out of my way to make sure that my keyboards don't have those. It seems to me that TFA's "Every Occasion" consists entirely of hunt-and-peck typing in the dark, wooing E3 fanboys, making more buttons of dubious utility, giving users RSI, and easing button-mashing on WoW. Yes, those are some occasions, but hardly even close to my top criteria.
Do people out there seriously use the "Play" or "Email" buttons on keyboards? I've always found it easy enough to locate the requisite icon on the desktop, and behavior in that case is much more predictable.
I'll give props for macro recording (I have a programmable keypad that I find indispensible), but most of their other criteria I find quite backwards. I don't need a keyboard with an LCD clock. I need a keyboard with keys.
-- I prefer the term "karma escort."
This one's cool. It's the awesom Thinkpad keyboard without the Thinkpad!
Does anyone here know where to get a keyboard _without_ a num-pad? Note that I don't want weird-ass navigation key-block, but the same key-block as on 10x keyboards. Because of CT, I have switched sides and use mouse on the left-hand side.
Thanks in advance.
Today's common keyboards are very programmer-hostile. The Control and Alternate (Meta) keys are not in their proper places. Wake me up when they come up with an EMACS-friendly one.
Colorless green Cthulhu waits dreaming furiously.
Forgive me for promoting an MS product on /., but I think the MS Wireless Desktop 7000 or 8000 should have made the running. The 7000, which is basically the same without the back lighting, has been very reliable for me though. The built-in "trackpad" is great, and the fact that it's bluetooth means I can actually control the PC from the other side of the room, instead of the 3-6 feet of most wireless solutions. The keyboard is rather minimalist, but I like that, and it has the requisite media control keys. It has room to improve -- I don't see the point of the touch-sensitive function keys for example, and the layout of the delete and start keys is questionable -- but I'm very satisfied with it overall. I like the design better than the diNovo, as well as the price, and I'll be using it until I see a convincing reason to change.
I've heard some complaints about the 8000 with backlit keys, where the paint rubs off the otherwise clear keys after heavy use, and makes it impossible to see which letter is which, but obviously that's not an issue on the 7000, and I've noticed no fade after 2 years (though I did manage to break a key off when I dropped the keyboard). I've got more pressing things to spend $100 on than replacing the entire keyboard for 1 (still functional, though missing) key, otherwise I'd buy another one in a heartbeat.
https://www.eff.org/https-everywhere
I can't believe that they overlooked the best computer input device ever made. At home I used one made in 1989 (I've had it since 1991). At work, I use the "Quiet Touch" version from 1993. I especially like that model, as it shows I care for my coworkers. It's still 150% louder than any other keyboard, but it rocks just like a normal Model M. All other keyboards are useless junk compared to the Model M. There's no comparison whatsoever.
BTW, if you want to use a Model M with a computer that has no ps/2 port, Clicky Keyboards sells an adapter that works great. I own three of them and haven't had any issues (even with KVMs).
-B
Ash and Hickory, straight-grained and true, make excellent bludgeons, dandy for the cudgeling of vegetarians.
Good points. Another mouse-wise option I've found helpful is switching away from a mouse entirely, and using a Wacom tablet instead. I reasoned that handwriting everything for years growing up hadn't caused me any RSI troubles, so maybe that would work better than the cramped hand posture required for mice and trackballs -- and it seems I was right, at least for myself.
Cheers,
"What in the name of Fats Waller is that?"
"A four-foot prune."
All good reasons, man. Valid each and every one of them. I've had words with employers over the Model M. I don't know why, but I'm a much better typist on one then not. My wrists have less fatigue at the end of the day, and my neck/shoulders don't hurt as much. I like the longer space bar, and the keyspacing is great, as I have large hands as well. A Model M goes with me to every new job, has for the last 14 years. There is no substitute.
.sig. You might want to get a new one yourself. :-)
BTW, I'm going to steal your last line for my
-B
Ash and Hickory, straight-grained and true, make excellent bludgeons, dandy for the cudgeling of vegetarians.
Other than the keyboard with a storage compartment under it that I bought for $5 somewhere, (which is spill proof and dishwasher safe btw) all of my others are Cherry keyboards.
I have one with a smart card reader, and one with a trackpad, credit card reader, and about a dozen programmable keys (no f'ing multimedia keys).... and it beeps when connected which is handy when you are plugging and unplugging things behind a desk.
The POS features aren't particularly useful, but the keyboards themselves can take a real beating and are heavy enough to compete with the Model M for self defense.
Make America grate again!
I love the standard aluminum USB keyboard (and the USB-based Mighty Mouse) that comes with the MacPro and iMac. It has cure me from my RSI. But I now use the Bluetooth version. It lacks a numerical keypad but has exactly the same feel as the USB version. All earlier Apple key boards were horrible, with the exception of the very large Apple Extended Keyboard II from back in the 1990s.
Beauty is in the beholder of the eye.
How about "Best Ergonomic Keyboard" for those who write a lot and don't want Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Alas, in all the years in front of the monitor, I have found only one keyboard that was worthy of the title "Ergonomic". It was Acer Future Keyboard. It was not only split, it was sloped down forward, so your hands maintained level position while you typed. It also had light-touch keys that collapsed easily and positively, unlike the awful, springy, rubbery keys on many of the today's keyboards. That keyboard was sold in the late 199x through early 2000s. I've managed to preserve two of them. I clean them regularly and will use them for as long as I can. Unfortunately, they only have PS/2 connectors, not USB. I tried various shims in the past, store-bought and home-cooked, all to no avail. These keyboards are so important to me, that I have literally forgone buying a Macintosh until I can get a comparable keyboard because I could not make mine work with the one I tested at an Apple Store.
End anonymous moderation and posting on
Huh? why the heck would you want your keyboard to light up?
It was bad enough when they stared putting leds in your damn mouse. wtf
I *used to be* a full-time translator and software localizer, but had to switch careers some years ago because if RSI. I now use an Apple USB keyboard (all aluminum design) and it has cured me.
Beauty is in the beholder of the eye.
I realize that I'm an old guy and the fact that I learned to type on a manual typewriter makes my viewpoints potentially dismissable. However, I have a fond keyboard memory.
About 25 years ago, Panasonic made a "wedge" typewriter. If you've ever seen one, you'll know what I mean. It was a very large office model. The keys had nearly zero feel and medium travel. At the end of their travel, they stopped like tapping your fingers on a granite block.
I have no idea how Panasonic managed it, but even with zero apparent resistance, I never "over-typed" on it. The keys returned to their rest positions without delay, never causing me to lose feel.
I could consistently do over 100 wpm on that keyboard. That was way faster than my norm.
Mercy, I loved that thing. If there were a similar computer keyboard, I'd pay well over $100 for it.
I wanted to get out of bed and clean then you people post this, lovely - I'll be here 20 minutes typing this one up.
So anyhow I'm in the process of hunting for a new keyboard myself.
I personally feel one of those most important things to focus on first is the layout of the keys themselves on the board, if you don't have a layout you're happy with, what's the point?
You've got several varieties, I'll show several here and my personal opinion on them (and also why you may like or dislike them)
http://img.clubic.com/photo/00351428.jpg
First up the enermax aurora keyboard.
This is absoloutely 100% standard US key layout, every key is exactly where you would expect it, the only slight change is slimmer and closer function keys to the number keys, I think likely quite acceptable and my favourite layout.
http://ak.cdiscount.com/pdt/0/0/0/1/f/PCK8000.jpg
Here is the Samsung Pleomax Zen edition keyboard, this also has perfect and standard key layout, with NON intrusive multimedia keys at the top, aesthetically they look simple (cmon, I'm a slashdotter) but they also don't look like they will get in the way.
http://www.keyboardco.com/keyboard_images/microsoft_ergonomic_keyboard_4000_black_usb_large.jpg
An ergonomic keyboard, I have no interest in these at all as I like consistency from machine to machine that I use, if they are good or not, I simply don't care as consistency = speed and that's important to me (I use many, many PC's)
https://ssl11.chi.us.securedata.net/miccomputers.com/merchantmanager/v4/images/microsoft-keyboard.jpg
Now this is one of the ones a lot of you should be paying attention to.
I used to use a similar model to this, you will note the multimedia keys are again mostly non intrusive, not in an area you could likely hit them accidentally, HOWEVER! This is one of those new keyboards where MS have opted to well..frankly fuck up the delete key and the function keys (3 grouping not 4) - look at that abomination - it's a disaster, I don't know why they've deviated from the norm but I've accidentally hit delete many a time on one of those things.
AVOID - I hope they die out >:(
http://techgasm.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/logitech-g15-gaming-keyboard-2007.jpg
Finally a 'gaming' keyboard from Logitech, the G15, nice and backlit and frankly one of the worst keyboards humanity has created.
Firstly, I want all of you to press control escape.
I use left thumb (ctrl) and middle finger or index finger on escape.
Where do your remaining fingers go? Mine dangle off the edge of the keyboard - on the G15 however they hit these stupid keys strapped to the left - UGH.
Next problem, the distance between left shift and right shift (ie the keyspace) seems to be ever so partially smaller than most, maybe it's 1mm maybe it's 2 but the whole keyboard feels slightly smaller AND the physical key caps are small!
What this means is I end up typing something and always hitting S intead of D or F instead of D snd "studd csn rnd up lookung lukw thus"
In conclusion fuck that keyboard!
OK! So we've got the layout out of the way, the only really remaining thing is the keytype
This link should explain it better than I can
http://www.ergocanada.com/ergo/keyboards/mechanical_vs_membrane_keyswitches.html
(regular rubber pushback, laptop scissor switch with rubber pushback, or 'full on' mechanical (likely noisy) with spring pushback but reliable)
Over the past 4 years of owning a laptop I've come to enjoy usin
Logitech as best all-around keyboard? Logitech keyboards are garbage, almost invariably. The keys feel like stiff pudding and the designers decided to get "creative" with the layout.
This list should have only two entries:
1) IBM Model M
2) DasKeyboard
N4st0r, trixx0r h0bb1tz0rz! Th3y st0l3 0ur pr3c10uzz!
Any review that includes comments like:
Cons: [...] no real wrist pad;
or:
Pros: [...] decent wrist rest.
should go back to recommending a soda with your cheeseburger deluxe. Wrist rests don't protect your wrist. The best typing position involves your arms and hands being supported by... your arm and shoulder muscles. Get rid of the fat comfortable arms of your chair and toss the wrist-rest on your keyboard. You'll be glad you did.
How about Ergo ones? Like the MS Natural? Who stills makes these (Thanks god mine still works).
oogly boogly!
I made it as far as Page 2 before I realised there was no real qualitative requirements for the review.
The reviewer is simply pushing their opinion of the keyboards based on how they personally liked them.
This completely ignored important concepts for gaming keyboards such as key response times, travel, Second key
response times and the all important "does it buffer and transmit every key you press when you mash the keyboard".
That's actually critical for a PC gaming keyboard because so many keyboards don't and you find when you have to crouch, change weapon, fire that often only two of those keys are registered because you basically hit all three keys at almost the same time.
Reading the review as presented was like watching a car reviewer review rally cars based on the color of the go-fast striping and the quantity of aluminium and carbon fiber in the cockput.
Way to go Extreme tech... Forget what's important and concentrate on marketting hype...
GrpA
Enjoy science fiction? "Turing Evolved" - AI, Mecha, Androids and rail-gun battles. What more could you want?
http://l3sys.eskimo.net/keybd/keybd.html
Nottin' spells NERD like this one ;-)
Interesting -- what do you think it is about the Apple USB keyboard design that has helped you?
Curious,
"What in the name of Fats Waller is that?"
"A four-foot prune."
Apple what ?
Yeah. I always wanted a keyboard that either felt like a laptop keyboard or like the m-series IBM keyboard...... then I got introduced to the ergonomic range (Microsoft (good), Belkin (terrible), Fellowes (good)) keyboards. Then needed mobile computing and realized that after getting used to an ergo keyboard I feel like an alien trying to use some old tech every time I have to type on a "normal keyboard"......
So I got a macbook and for the desktop I settled with an Aluminium Apple keyboard and even got a wireless Apple for "home applications" (lazy-ass living room browsing - PS3 computing now).....
Now instead of receiving flames (as I did before on /.) what I would like you to do, is to imagine a laptop-like keyboard which can be split as you wish. Whether laptop or the Aluminium (no I am from Europe and it is not Aluminum), you should be able to split the damn thing and take it apart.
Simple, nice, ergonomic. And no. I have to use a laptop, and after using an MS ergo I just CAN NOT DO IT without suffering.
The keyboard that (presumably?) shipped with the IIGS (image here) has to be an all-time favorite of mine.
But my favorite was the built-in keyboard on the Atari 800 home computer. Feel, clickiness, weird symbols... it was really nice.
Model M IS awesome.
And these days you can get USB space saver versions. In black.
No sig today...
Just received mine today, and I gotta say, I love it. My computer is in the bedroom, and I tend to stay up after my wife has gone to bed. It's a real pain in the neck trying to type in the dark. Not only is the backlighting awesome, but the keyboard has an excellent feel, and is very visually appealing.
Another vote for the Apple aluminum keyboard. I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I do. But after borrowing my officemate's for a few days I bought my own and one for home.
I don't see this listed, and it's an important issue:
On the model M when the buckle surrenders and the key is registered, you can feel the buckle surrender giving your keypress, but the key continues to travel past this distance. It's not necessary to slam each key against the backstop like you have to do with so many others - which many people find is easier on their finger joints. After a little practice you press each key with just enough force to clear the buckle, and the buckle snaps your finger back as if the keyboard is urging you to your next keystroke. It's remarkable.
They're not kidding. Try it. Really. The Cherry switch keyboards are nice too, but if there's an improvement on the model M I haven't seen it in 25 years and literally thousands of samples. The switch and buckle spring technology is the critical issue - the more modern versions which have this are also good.
Help stamp out iliturcy.
Am I the only one who noticed that they forgot to use the green-screen chroma-key on the Zboard? I mean, for fuck's sake: The hard part is already done. All they would have had to do is take the stock photo, and turn everything green transparent.
In fact, this makes me wonder: Since they didn't take their own photos, did they even actually touch any of the keyboards in question? Or did they just take a look at the press kit and write about what they figured the keyboard ought to be like?
Kid-proof tablet..
There are fake ergonomic keyboards, such as the ones made by Microsoft that have a "wrist support" but keep the keys in straight line. These are not ergonomic at all.
The original Microsoft Natural keyboard, with its "split" or "wave" key formation, is a good one. Adesso still makes a real ergonomic keyboard too. If you want to save money, you can grab an older Adesso Nu-Form USB ergonomic keyboard for a good price at EBay.
But the best ergonomic keyboard of all must be the Keyovation Goldtouch. The left-right split is fully adjustable; there is no number pad, so the user will always center the keyboard by the center of the space bar.
Rich And Stupid is not so bad as Working For Rich And Stupid.
to people, like me, who use a laptop. I'm not going to lug an IBM Model-M, although those are damn fine keyboards, or any other keyboard along with it. I'm carrying enough weight as it is.
It's a very dark ride.
Das Keyboard!!!! Love the clack. Oh, and you don't need letters anymore if you don't want them.
Clickity Clack boy, dontcha come back no mo no mo no mo no more!
For a multimedia keyboard that I use all the time on *both* my HTPCs I recommend the Adesso WKB-4000US. Basically a wireless with great range that is the bottom half of a laptop. The 52" LCD and 106" projector is the other half :D. A one piece solution in a form factor that most people are used to and the keyboard is large enough to be usable.
http://www.adesso.com/products_detail.asp?productid=281
The one I've been using for a decade now is an AST "KB-101" (part # 120077-001 Rev. A). I haven't found another that has as nice a feel.
It's getting old, though.
I was thinking about moving to a Happy Hacking Lite 2. Anyone have experience with that?
I own 4 Northgate keyboards, and they are the best damn keyboards ever built, period. Mechanical keyswitches, tactile feedback with click, metal parts that make the keyboard weigh 5 pounds, and I can type on them all day. The day I can no longer use a Northgate keyboard with a computer is the day I stop doing my work on PCs and become an organic farmer.
I loathe soft, mushy keyboards with no key throw (the new flat Mac keyboards have only one use -- to whack Steve Jobs upside the head while yelling, "what the hell were you thinking?!")
Northgate keyboards haven't been manufactured in probably 12-15 years, but when I get extra cash and see the classic Model 101 on eBay, I buy it and store it.
I think they forgot to choose one. My recommendation: Cherry 4400 series (with trackball). Compact, feels solid, can take a beating. Any better (affordable) suggestions?
"I love my job, but I hate talking to people like you" (Freddie Mercury)
I disagree. Many people who use only laptops, like me, put this laptop into a docking station at home or at work and use external monitor and external keyboard. For folks like me, laptop is fine on the road, but it cannot match a proper monitor and a good keyboard. Nevertheless, there are other problems with that review that others have pointed out already.
End anonymous moderation and posting on
The best keyboard, these days is any random keyboard with the main 101 keys WHERE THEY BELONG, where they were on the older PCs. (The same positions as the model M, those who shift around Home End Page Up / Down Ins and Del should be in the stocks.)
Extra keys above are fine, the best being volume and mute. (A mute button is VERY useful)
Under NO circumstance should you move the pause, print screen and scroll lock buttons down, putting a uncancellable power button in their place. (Let me get a screenshot of this...) In general, power or sleep on the kb is a BAD idea. (At least unless a second key is required to activate it, ctrl +)
Takes USB and has at least one if not two USB ports. (Mouse and USB stick)
Remappable. The ability to remap or disable keys for games is nice. (And would have been nice when the Windows key 1st came out)
WIRED. Not just USB plugged into the PC, COMPLETELY WIRED with no random power loss.
A long enough wire that you can lean WAAAAY back and still type.
Faint lights for caps, scroll and num lock. Some KBs are blinding.
NO trackpad UNDER the keys. (Why can't it be OVER in laptops?) Randomly brushing the pad with your arm typing and having the focus leap elsewhere is a major annoyance.
A link to the print version of the article is redundant?!? The mods are on crack today.
Is this something like what you are looking for?
http://www.adesso.us/product_details.asp?dept_id=106&pf_id=KA33PCK-308UB
Glad someone mentioned the Happy Hacking keyboard, which I happen to be using right now.
I've also heard good things about the Kinesis ergonomic keyboards.
Who said Freedom was Fair?
I have found typematrix a very nice keyboard for Dvorak lovers. I use it for coding and everything else. I have the PS/2 version, not the newer USB version, which has a few changed keys. I like it for its big Shifts, central Enter/Backspace, its small size, its matrix layout, and its built-in Dvorak/Qwerty support (so no OS modification is needed). The latter is important in case you type English in Dvorak and another language in Qwerty, if you share the keyboard with Qwertyers or you are just learning Dvorak.
Well, all other Apple keyboards I have used in the past, with the exception of the Apple Extended Keyboard II (aka USS Enterprise, Saratoga or Nimitz... because it was as large as an aircraft carrier), have has a terrible tactile feel. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_Extended_Keyboard And the same goes for almost every PC keyboard I have ever used. There are exceptions of course. I have owned two IBM ThinkPads, a T22 and a X31, (the ThinkPads are now made by the Chinese company Lenovo) and they had excellent, high-precision keyboards with just the right touch-sensitive feel, short, but not to short travel and keys that do not wiggle sideways or clatter. Solid and precise! Dependable. The same goes for most Apple PowerBooks and MacBook Pros. (But forget about iBooks and MacBooks, they are home user gear, and I am a professional who use professional tools.) My current work & play machine is a MacBook Pro (the 2007 model, not the new unibody machine). I use the internal keyboard, which is good, or Apple's aluminum Bluetooth keyboard. The keys are completely flat and low profile, which at first I though would be a disadvantage. But it isn't - it actually makes typing effortless and fast. Also, the travel of the keys is short, like on a laptop, and the keys are just the right size. The lack of a numerical keypad is an advantage as this makes the keyboard smaller, which reduces the stress on your wrists. If you need a numerical keypad you can always get the USB version. This is the one I use: http://www.apple.com/keyboard/
Beauty is in the beholder of the eye.
I wish they'd combine that with the Wave. The best of both worlds, but apparently ergonomic and illuminated are mutually exclusive.
Shai Schticks:"You don't make peace with friends, you make peace with enemies"
Almost everybody here loves MS hardware, mostly because it is good, or at least, used to be before they started having driver issues on Windows. But that kind of problem doesn't affect Linux users...
Rethinking email
I took a look at their keyboards once, but this image just scared me away:
http://www.alphagrips.com/Keyboard_AG5_backfingers.jpg
It is dangerous to be right when the government is wrong.
I'm disappointed that there's nothing on the SteelSeries 7G in the article. It's a behemoth of a gaming keyboard, so much so that it still opts for a freaking PS/2 connector over USB... but comes with an adaptor anyway, I'm not sure what that's all about. I've not used a Model M for comparison, but the key feel blows away that of the Saitek Eclipse I normally use (and everything else I've laid hands upon) and I'm pretty sure it would hold up against the M in some sort of keyboard-wielding pseudo sword fight- now that would make some good television... or youtubevision anyway.
Gadgetoid.com - Gadgets & Games Journalism
My favorite is the latest Apple keyboard. It's the most comfortable to type on that I've had so far. The only parts I don't like is where the Fn key is placed, and it's missing Print Screen, etc.
Interestingly, if you don't need fancy feature keys the Microsoft Natural Elite keyboard is probably still one of the best keyboards for the average user.
It does take some getting used to but once you mastered this keyboard going back to a regular keyboard is nearly impossible because a regular keyboard feels uncomfortable and cramped in comparison. Pity you can't get it with the same type of mechanical key switches used on the old IBM PC and PC AT keyboards. :-(
I'm surprised that Microsoft has not contemplated building a Mac-compatible version of the Natural Elite with Mac-specific keys and a USB connection--there's a big market for such a version of the Natural Elite.
Bought a Kinesis a little over a year ago and I absolutely love it. It's worth every penny. (~$325 for usb contour advantage).
After slaving away on model m's, microsoft natural's (& knock-offs) ,thinkpads and my current mac book pro; I can say that I've tried a lot of different things.
Between my hobbies of guitar and lacrosse, and all of the typing through high school, high school internships, college, college internships and co-ops and my full time job now; I can say with ease my hands and wrists have never felt better.
Prior to the switch my typing endurance was starting to fade somewhat rapidly; I noticed that my guitar playing was suffering. Additionally if I took a couple whacks to the hands during lacrosse my typing tended to really suffer for the next couple days.
Took me about 2.5 weeks to regain full speed on it; but within a month I was typing faster than I ever had. I could go on endlessly. Every one who comes in my office asks me about it, so if nothing else its a great conversation piece :-). Loaned it to my best friend for two weeks while I was on vacation last June, as he had been suffering from what he thought was (what people call mis-label) as RSI or some precursor. He reluctantly put aside his model M (much to his girlfriends delight, as he works at home) and used it exclusively while I was gone. By the time I got back he had already ordered and received one of his own, and had safely secured his modem M away for posterity. (much to his gf's dismay)
My parents came for a visit recently and I brought it to my apt from my office to show them. Immediately after looking at my mother (a licensed O.T. in MA before retiring) saw many of the obvious benefits that I saw immediately in regards to both speed and reducing fatigue/strain: emphasis on our thumbs instead of pinky/index finger. The critical keys (space, backspace,delete, enter, pg up/down, home/end, ctrl,alt,super/meta) are all moved to the thumbs. This single factor is what will make it nearly impossible to ever use another keyboard because of how much I enjoy it. Particularly as an emacs user this is fantastic (and FWIW my friend a vim user found just as many benefits)
Obviously it's probably not for everyone, and it is a little pricey.. but I'd buy it again in a heart beat. In fact I might have to buy one for my apartment after being so spoiled by using it all day at work.
Apologies for the slightly over detailed plug/endorsement. But I freaking love this keyboard if it isn't obvious.
"Jazz isn't dead, it just smells funny" ~Frank Zappa
EdelFactor
I really like the HP keyboards that come with the HP servers :) ... not too "flat" like some of the chinese things, good springs, right size and not too clicky or too quiet.
There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics.
I've had a bad keyboard fetish for a long time, which drives me to search for the best key touch. Layouts can always be worked around as long as keys aren't crammed too tight, but really superior key touch which allows one to type beyond 600 chars/minute are very difficult to come by.
Out of more than a hundred tested keyboards, these are the ones I like to use:
- IBM Model M. Loudness is the only drawback, and it's been proven to be a bit too hard on the wrists.
- Dell "QuietKey", which is incidentally louder than the model without the "QuietKey" print.
- The keyboard used on IBM 600E and 600X laptops.
And by far best of the bunch: Happy Hacking Professional. Lite model is fairly good, but Lite2 is too rubbery already, and the Pro model practically has no competition - it's far beyond any other I've tried. Unfortunately the price is, or was, too, and not available outside .jp anymore.
Oh and a sidenote; something as horrible as a VT220 keyboard is actually sometimes not so bad, since it forces you to type slowly, and when using at 9600 bauds, you Really learn to think twice before pressing enter.
For those of you who don't want to read through all 5 pages...
Best Generic Keyboards
1. Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave Pro
2. Caesar KB005
3. Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000
4. Logitech MX 5500 Revolution
5. Microsoft Wireless Laser Keyboard 7000
6. Saitek Eclipse II
Best Macro Gaming Keyboards
1. Microsoft SideWinder X6 Keyboard
2. Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard V.2
3. Saitek Cyborg Gaming Keyboard
4. Razer Tarantula
5. Logitech G11
Best Hybrid Gaming Keyboards
1. MERC Stealth
2. Wolf King Timberwolf
3. Ideazon Zboard
Best Keyboard Gamepads
1. Logitech G13 Advanced Gameboard
2. Cyber Snipa Gamepad V2
3. Nostromo SpeedPad n52
4. WolfKing Warrior
5. Ideazon Fang
Best Media Center Keyboards
1. Logitech diNovo Edge Keyboard
2. Premium Wireless Keyboard with Laser Trackball
3. Logitech diNovo Mini
4. Phantom Lapboard
What, no Optimus keyboard? After all the press coverage and love it got here, it wasn't featured? Or mentioned?
UTF-8: There and Back Again
One thing I've always wondered is how people are taught to type, and how it relates to how people play the piano. I've learnt both and one thing I've learnt playing the piano is to try and move each finger as little as possible, keeping them close to the keys. This way you expend less energy, play in a more controlled way, and avoid straining your muscles. Lots of typists, however, seem to raise their fingers quite high while typing, which surely can't be good for you? What do others think?
xterm -n 8
I play WoW and was excited to get this. Driver software (provided in CD) does not work with Vista 64 premium - constantly get an error when trying to load it. The keyboard works - but without the software you can't remap the keys and this is bad joo-joo magic (WoW reference).
So I went to their website to download the latest software hoping to fix the problem....site does not come up. Tried it from a different computer at home....site still does not come up. Tried it from a different network AND computer.... yup no go.
Tried searching for software on the net...after 30 minutes I gave up.
Went to Google cache and found an 800 number....they are closed until Jan 5th (I called them on Dec 22).
So are they going out of business? I don't know...but I am returning this product from a company that takes at LEAST a 10 BUSINESS day vacation during the biggest shopping season and their WEBSITE is down (it may be up now, but since I am returning it there is no point in me trying).
I will stick with my G15. Now waiting for my WoW mouse to get off back-order.
I mod down so you can mod up. Your welcome.
I skipped the article as the catagories I am interested in are missing:
- Quiet: e.g. my home PC is in an alcove under the stairs and the kids can hear me in the evening ...)
- Small footprint: for my small home desk, and to bring the mouse closer in
- Best keyboard layout: e.g. the control key should be under the tab key (yes, I know I can re-map it but
(FWIW I have a HH2 that does pretty well on all the above, but a little quieter would be nice !)
If you are using a Mac, perhaps you will find this interesting.
One of my coworkers has one of the originals (with an old iMac) and it is fantastic. This should be as close to the real thing as possible.
I just need to get this out of my system: The L-shaped enter keyboards MUST DIE! Half of the times I end up pressing backslash instead of enter, damn it!
And not one of you even made a passing remark to the space cadet keyboard from the old knight machines. I just wish I could find one of these babies to jam into a USB. I have to get by with xmodmap to squeeze 6 modifier keys out of my keyboard. Just need that last one....
Heh! :) That's what I mean about being like a PS2 controller on steroids -- but it's actually a lot easier to learn and deal with than the pictures alone might suggest. And as alternate-geometry keyboards go, the Alphagrip is one of the most affordable -- last I looked it was only around $99, while others were more in the ~$400-500 range. And if you're getting it for business purposes, you can always write it off on your taxes. ;)
Cheers,
"What in the name of Fats Waller is that?"
"A four-foot prune."
You are not familiar wth goatse, are you?
It is dangerous to be right when the government is wrong.
They say that they have a keyboard for every occasion, yet I see none to help make porn surfing easier.
Why are there no fuckable keyboards yet?
Xaotik Designs
Problem is, all the new Intellitouch software doesn't support that keyboard anymore (why God knows), and the old driver that does (2.11?) goes flaky on my installation of XP.
Will other keyboard software allow wide-ranging substitutions that I can duplicate this functionality?
Ibid.
Unfortunately, it redirects back to the non-print version
Nothing beats the Logitech Ultra X
This has to be the first time in history that a post on /. has actually changed someones opinion!!!! :-)
Thankfully, not terribly familiar, but now that you mention it, I catch your reference -- more's the pity! :-P
Apologies for being too literal minded, :)
"What in the name of Fats Waller is that?"
"A four-foot prune."
Any keyboard using the typewriter layout is defective by design.
Uncountable cases of people with RSI and carpal tunnel attest to this.
IANAL but write like a drunk one.
That's because BitchKapoor, who posted in that article, has that image as his/her homepage.